Make sure to take a quick detour at mile 134.8 Sterling Hwy. On the ocean side you turn onto Orthodox Road to view the old believers Russian Orthodox Church and its historic cemetery.Built in 1901, the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel is a small idyllic white and green Russian Orthodox church, overlooking the original settlement of Ninilchik village and the mouth of the Ninilchik River. Sharing the brilliant Alaskan sunset skyline with Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna, this historic site is one of the most photographed spots in Alaska!

While you’re there, delight in a short hike through the wildflowers along a trail that runs from the back of the church down into the village. It’s well worth the jaunt!